Matisyahu, the 29-year old Hassidic jew MC is an artist that thrives on innovation. He sprang into American consciousness in 2004 with his debut album Shake off the Dust… Arise, an intriguing blend of spirituality and raw power. His Torah-inspired lyrics have mainstreamed Reggae, while giving audiences exposure to the dynamism of the Jewish faith. He plays Bogarts with K'naan and Trevor Hall at 8 p.m.

The Indie Pop quintet, Wolf Parade, was formed three weeks before their first performance when frontman, Spencer Krug, was offered a gig playing with fellow Canadian band, The Arcade Fire. Krug and guitarist Dan Boeckner soon began writing songs and working on arrangements. But they didn’t exactly have a working band at that point. Wolf Parade's modus operandi throughout the release of their EPs and LPs has served as an uncommonly acute model for their success. They basically conduct themselves as if they were lackluster graduate-students cramming for a midterm. Wolf Parade plays The Southgate House with Listening Party at 8 p.m.

TV on the Radio and the existential crisis of popularity

Popular taste is often cultivated and pruned in New York City. The city ostensibly excretes popular culture into the atmosphere on a regular basis and the rest of the nation invariably adjusts to what Manhattanites inform them is cool. Many of the television shows and movies you watch are filmed in Manhattan.

Getting schooled by Ohio mixmaster Ruckus Roboticus

Before the public adoration of narcotics. Before the high-profile relationships with B-list actresses. Before his festive, ornithological stage apparel. Manson was described as being well mannered and easy to talk to. He and the rest of the band were respectful and courteous.

Homosexuality is the last taboo of Hip Hop culture

As a casual listener of Hip- Hop since the late ‘90’s, a few things have resonated with me. Way back then, homo sexual artists were either non existent, totally closeted and/or intimidated. Then there appeared staunch anti-gay resolves in many artists’ public personas and lyrics, such as early Eminem, Ja Rule, DMX and Common.